Hellish Roads 13: KR Market

Times of India

Bangalore: If a commercial hub is synonymous with traffic jams, then the Sri Krishnarajendra Market (K.R. Market) is a perfect example. The biggest and among the busiest markets in the city, the traffic woes here are endless. The area is abuzz with activity round-the-clock. While the flower marketdraws hundreds of people early in the morning, vegetable vendors take over for most part of the day, all outside the multi-storied market complex. At night, it’s mobile canteens crammed in between the traffic and parked buses.

1 Areas affected: Town Hall Junction, N.R. Road, S.J.P. Road, J.C. Road, Bamboo Bazaar, Kalasipalya, Vani Vilas Road, Victoria Hospital, Chamarajpet, Avenue Road, S.P. Road, Briand Square, Mysore Road.

2 Major problems: A pedestrian subway that is hardly used by people, a bus stand crammed with hawkers, autorickshaws,tempos, BMTC and private buses, dismal traffic regulation, pothole-ridden roads are only some of the problems here.

3 What the police say? The main problem for congestion in the area is the incomplete pedestrian sub-way. The situation will improve with a new plan to re-route buses to the Shantinagar bus terminal coming up on Double Road. —

Prof M.N. Sreehari, traffic expert

•Buses have to be re-routed to bus terminals coming up at Kalasipalya or Shantinagar.
•Sub-way should be completed for restricting pedestrian movement on roads.
•Vegetable vendors should not be allowed to operate outside the market complex.
•Civic authorities should clear encroachments rampant in the area.